Eye twitching refers to the involuntary muscle spasms of your eyelid muscles in the absence of eye irritation or any type of eye injury.
An eyelid spasm typically occurs for no clear reason and doesn’t cause pain, but it can be a nuisance.
Find out about the common causes of eye twitching and learn how to stop and prevent twitching naturally.
What causes eyelid twitching?
Eyelid twitches or eyelid spasms, also known as tetany, usually occur in your left upper eyelid but can also develop in your right eye. Occasionally, tetany occurs on the arm, nose, or even the lip.
According to research published in Case Reports, harmless eye twitching that typically affects the lower eyelid is known as eyelid myokymia.1
Eye twitching is often caused by a mineral deficiency affecting the facial nerve. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium, is one of the most common causes of eye twitching.
Calcium deficiency is typically linked to poor dietary habits, high phosphorus levels, or low parathyroid hormone production.
Alkalosis can also cause hypocalcemia. Normal blood pH should be between 7.35 and 7.45. When your blood pH rises higher than this, it’s known as alkalosis.
In a state of alkalosis, the calcium in your blood is no longer free and binds with the proteins in your blood called albumin. This essentially blocks calcium from being absorbed.
Several factors can contribute to alkalosis, including:
- Diuretic use
- Excessive antacid consumption
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Chronic stress
- Low potassium levels
- Low stomach acid
Lastly, hypomagnesemia or low magnesium levels may also cause eye twitching, as magnesium plays a crucial role in nerve function and muscle contractions.
How to stop eye twitching
Apple cider vinegar can help address alkalosis and improve calcium balance. It can also help to make your stomach more acidic, increasing your ability to absorb calcium and other important minerals such as magnesium.
To help eliminate eye twitches, it’s recommended to mix one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and consume before or with a meal.
Eye twitching prevention
Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to prevent eye twitching. Consuming a variety of vegetables ensures a proper intake of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Adopting a Healthy Keto® lifestyle and intermittent fasting can also help reduce the risk of alkalosis, supporting optimal mineral absorption and muscle function.
Additionally, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is crucial for calcium balance and nerve function, both of which are key in preventing muscle spasms and twitching.
When to see a doctor
According to research published in StatPearls, eye twitching and eyelid myokymia are generally benign.2
However the authors also note, “It may be the initial presentation of other diseases which can affect other muscles on one or both sides of the face: hemifacial spasm, essential blepharospasm, meige syndrome, or spastic-paretic facial contracture.”
If you have chronic or severe eyelid twitching, twitching of the facial muscles, sensitivity to light, abnormal blinking, eye irritation, or pain, you should consult a healthcare provider.
In rare cases, persistent eye twitching may indicate a neurological condition called benign essential blepharospasm. If you have this disorder, the twitching may worsen over time and could be accompanied by facial spasms.
In more severe cases, blepharospasm can cause the eyelid to completely close. Botox injections, which use botulinum toxin, are sometimes used as a treatment for this condition.
Key takeaways
In most cases, eye twitching is harmless and will resolve on its own. Incorporating apple cider vinegar, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress can help prevent and alleviate eye twitching.
However, if you experience chronic or persistent eye twitching, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues.
FAQ
1. Why is my eye twitching?
There are a number of reasons why your eye might be twitching. Low calcium levels, inadequate magnesium intake, and alkalosis are the most common causes of eye twitching.
2. When should I be worried about eye twitching?
Mild twitching is rarely serious, but chronic or severe cases of eyelid twitching are sometimes associated with nervous system or movement disorders.
If your eye twitching becomes severe, persists, or is accompanied by symptoms such as light sensitivity, involuntary blinking, blurry vision, or eye pain, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
3. What deficiency causes eye twitching?
Eye twitching can be triggered by deficiencies in key minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals play essential roles in nerve function and muscle contraction, and a lack of them can lead to muscle spasms or twitching, including in the eye.
4. How do I stop my eye from twitching?
A healthy diet that provides the body with plenty of magnesium, potassium, and calcium can help stop an eye twitch.
Apple cider vinegar may help alleviate eyelid twitching by promoting a balanced pH in the body, which can enhance the absorption of essential minerals needed for proper nerve and muscle function.
5. Can calcium deficiency cause eye twitching?
Yes. Calcium deficiency is one of the most common causes of eye twitching.
6. How do I prevent eye twitching?
A nutrient-rich diet that includes plenty of vegetables is one of the most effective ways to ensure adequate intake of key minerals that help prevent eye twitching.
